Whether you're starting a new business, or just trying something new in your workplace, having critics isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Marketing guru Seth Godin points out that upsetting the status quo is likely to ruffle a few feathers.

If your new business plan disrupts an industry or pisses a lot of people off, there's a good chance you're on to something good. You should worry more when nobody's talking.

His main point is that people in power often benefit from maintaining the status quo. If you find a way to save the company money, but your plan would take some responsibility away from another employee, their natural reaction would be to fight against it. The key is to identify why people are being critical, and to not let their shaming discourage you from trying new things.